Welcome to Ozempic Weightloss Unlocked, the podcast that brings you the latest updates on Ozempic and its growing impact on medicine, health, and lifestyle. I’m your host, and today, we’re diving into what’s new, what’s raising eyebrows, and what may lie ahead for this game-changing drug.

Ozempic, also known as semaglutide, was originally developed by Novo Nordisk for the treatment of type two diabetes. Its ability to mimic a hormone called GLP-1 means it helps regulate blood sugar and, as a side effect notable in clinical trials, leads to significant weight loss. The higher-dose version, Wegovy, was later approved specifically for weight management in people who are overweight or living with obesity. According to the European Association for the Study of Obesity, semaglutide and its cousin tirzepatide are now recommended as first-choice treatments for obesity and related complications. This positions these medications at the forefront of modern obesity therapy, even among patients without diabetes.

Recently, there has been a surge in the use of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic among individuals undergoing bariatric surgery. A study presented at the American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress highlighted that in just four years, the number of patients prescribed these medications before surgery jumped from less than two percent to nearly thirty percent. This reflects a major shift in how we approach weight management and preoperative care. More and more, doctors consider these drugs as integral tools not just for diabetes, but also for weight-related conditions in broader populations.

The popularity of Ozempic isn’t without concern. The Journal of the American Medical Association published findings showing that people taking semaglutide were twice as likely to develop a form of vision loss called neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Researchers from the University of Toronto highlighted that the risk remains relatively small but is real enough for both patients and doctors to take seriously, especially since the biological mechanism makes sense. Semaglutide can affect blood vessels and inflammation—two factors thought to play a role in this kind of vision loss.

Other side effects are drawing attention as well. Studies confirm that up to forty percent of the weight lost on semaglutide actually comes from muscle, including the heart muscle—not just fat. The University of Alberta reports that pairing the medication with ketone supplements preserves muscle mass while still achieving fat loss. This could be an avenue for making Ozempic safer, especially for those worried about long-term effects on strength, immunity, and heart health.

The list of reported complications is growing. Aside from the more publicized risks of stomach paralysis and vision loss, there is new evidence that Ozempic may increase hair loss, particularly in women. The United States Food and Drug Administration also updated Ozempic’s label to include warnings about severe pancreatitis and kidney injuries, underscoring the importance of careful monitoring and open communication with healthcare providers.

A major story this year is just how many patients struggle with these side effects. A new study found that most people who start Ozempic discontinue it within a year. High costs, unpredictable insurance coverage, and complications ranging from discomfort to life-threatening injuries are cited as reasons. Lawsuits against Novo Nordisk for insufficient warning of these risks are mounting, and scrutiny from regulators and the courts is escalating.

On a positive note, shortages of Ozempic that plagued pharmacies since 2022 appear to be resolved. The Food and Drug Administration removed the drug from its shortage list this year after confirming an increase in production and availability.

Exciting research also points to the future—oral versions of GLP-1 drugs are in...